Android Wear update confirmed: Offline music, GPS and custom faces

Google is officially priming its first big software update for Android Wear smartwatches before the end of the year.

Following reports earlier on Friday, claiming Android Wear 2.0 was due to go live October 15, Google published a blog post confirming the update is on the way, but stopped short of confirming the date.

The bump, which will be available for all of the Android Wear devices released so far, will enable users to add custom watch faces, play music in the absence of an internet connection and track their walks and runs via GPS.

Firstly, offline music playback will let owners of wearables like the Moto 360 and LG G Watch, stream music stored on the watch to a Bluetooth headphones.

If the device has a GPS sensor, it will function more efficiently as a standalone fitness tracker by logging distance and speed.

Finally, the update will unlock downloadable watch faces, that’ll enable users to “customise the visual design of your watch’s home screen to show the information you want to see most—like your calendar or fitness sensors,” Google says on its official blog.

The company claims developers will soon get to work on these watch faces, which will be downloadable from the Google Play Store.

Within the post Google outlined the new Android Wear smart watches, announced at IFA, including the LG G Watch R, the ASUS Zen Watch and the forthcoming Sony Smartwatch 3, the first Sony device to run the software.

“These watches, as well as those unveiled earlier this summer, will all get the new software updates described above as soon as they’re ready in the coming months,” wrote Android Wear’s engineering director David Singleton.

“We’re also working with our partners on even more improvements, which means your device will continue to get better, with updates provided directly to you.

“Whether it’s giving you directions, letting you stay in touch more easily or keeping track of your steps so you can stay fit, Wear is designed to help you out without getting in your way. With new features and many new devices to choose from, chances are there’s a watch that’s just right for you.”

Will the forthcoming software update convince you its time to jump on board with Android Wear? Let us know your thoughts below.

Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He's based in South Florida, USA.
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